Scotland's active role in British colonialism has been well documented, and the often troubling and shameful repercussions of the UK's Empire building are, perhaps, in need of a more thoughtful and honest public reckoning.

 

And therefore when, on the face of it, a reasonable request for repatriation of materials taken from a foreign country in the 19th century is made, Scotland should take notice.

 

In the case of the Beothuk people, the materials in question are the remains of two bodies of indigenous people from Newfoundland.

 

Canada, through its heritage minister, has already notified the National Museums of Scotland of the nation's intention to ask for the repatriation of the bodies, which came into the possession of first the University of Edinburgh, and then the Museum, in the Victorian era.

 

The remains are not on display, and although the Museum contends they are of the utmost scientific importance, it seems reasonable to expect these bodies can be be either studied competently in Canada, or laid to rest with due respect to their indigenous history, in their homeland.

 

In 1999, Glasgow returned a Ghost Dance Shirt to the Sioux people of South Dakota, recognising the importance of such items both for their people, and as a way of acknowledging that, more than 200 years after the Victorian age's conquest and assumption of European cultural dominance, times and attitudes have thankfully changed.

 

In the month when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits Edinburgh, perhaps returning the Beothuk remains would be a timely gesture to both the past, and the future.